Our Romantic Escape to Leaves and Fishes, Hunter Valley

Airbnb Properties

1 Nov

Discover why Leaves and Fishes is one of the most romantic getaways in the Hunter Valley. From overwater villas and koi-filled ponds to luxurious baths and peaceful mornings, this boutique stay offers the perfect escape for couples seeking relaxation, connection, and calm.

Introduction: A Hidden Gem in the Hunter Valley

There are places you stay — and then there are places that stay with you. Leaves and Fishes in Lovedale, Hunter Valley, is one of those places.

If you’ve ever dreamt of escaping to Bali-style serenity without leaving New South Wales, this hidden gem is for you. My husband and I used to travel to Bali before we had kids, and this stay gave us that same nostalgic, romantic “honeymoon” feeling — the kind of peace and connection that’s hard to find in everyday life.

Overwater Villas That Feel Like Bali

From the moment we arrived, we felt transported. Each luxury villa at Leaves and Fishes sits over a tranquil lotus pond surrounded by lush greenery and tall reeds. The reflections on the water, the sounds of nature — everything felt serene.

Feeding the koi fish and turtles became our unexpected highlight. There’s something so grounding and joyful about tossing food (included in our stay) into the water and watching them ripple to the surface.

The Luxurious Interiors: Comfort Meets Calm

Inside, the villas are the perfect blend of Indonesian inspired luxury and natural beauty. The king-sized bed was super comfy, and the bathroom was a total sanctuary. The waterfall showerhead cascaded over the largest bath I’ve ever seen, creating an experience that felt more like a day spa than a hotel stay.

It’s the kind of space where you can truly unwind — soaking in the bath with a glass of wine, music playing, and the Spring breeze blowing through the open doors.

Warm Hospitality and Local Hunter Valley Charm

Kristy, who manages the property, made our stay feel effortless. Her customer service was exceptional — friendly, genuine, and full of helpful touches. She shared wonderful Hunter Valley dining recommendations, including a few hidden local favourites we might have missed otherwise.

It felt like we were being welcomed into someone’s private hideaway rather than just another accommodation.

Mornings on the Pond: Pure Peace

Each morning, we’d wake up, make our coffee, and open the sliding doors onto our private deck suspended over the lotus pond. Watching the mist rise from the water as the sun filtered through the trees was magical. Those slow mornings — no alarms, no rush, just stillness — reminded us how important it is to pause and reconnect.

For couples seeking a romantic getaway in the Hunter Valley, this setting is as good as it gets.

Why We’ll Be Back

Our stay at Leaves and Fishes felt like a love letter to simpler times — peaceful, romantic, and beautifully curated. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a surprise weekend away, or just craving a reset, this is the kind of place that brings you back to yourself and to each other.

If you’re looking for luxury Hunter Valley accommodation for couples, I can’t recommend Leaves and Fishes highly enough. It’s beautiful in every season, and truly one of the most romantic places to stay in NSW.